Kaigama Urges Collective Efforts Against Human Trafficking

Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, has called for collective efforts towards the war against human trafficking.

The cleric made the call during the thanksgiving service, as part of activities to mark the 20th anniversary of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) at Our Lady of Queen Pro- Cathedral, in Abuja.

He also urged NAPTIP to work closely with other law enforcement agencies and do their work without fear, adding that human trafficking is one of those issues that the church talks to the worshippers about.

“We preach the word of God to them; we also speak to them about contemporary issues. Human trafficking is one of those things that we tell our worshippers. Ours is to enlighten them, as they go home, they enlighten their families and in our schools; we have many children so we talk to them on how to detect those who are going to use them for trafficking. We do our best to ensure that we collaborate with the agency,” he said.

The director-general of NAPTIP, Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi, who addressed journalists after the service, said it has been 20 years that the agency has been fighting against human trafficking in the country, adding that the church is a big ally in controlling and curbing the scourge of human trafficking in the country.

“We felt it was important for us to come here, in addition to giving thanks to God, we also used the opportunity to tell the worshippers, to let them know about the issues of human trafficking and what the red flags are so that they can in turn protect themselves.

“Faith-based organisations are strong partners, their members and the community look up to them, if they sensitise members, they will definitely listen and they are one of our strongest allies,” she said.